Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner (16) skates ahead of Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brandon Saad (20) during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b254eca0-4b80-4173-80f4-0a6c5f8fa458.jpeg] Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner (16) skates ahead of Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brandon Saad (20) during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images According to multiple reports, the Vegas Golden Knights are emerging as a very realistic landing spot for top free agent Mitch Marner. When speculation first started that the Toronto Maple Leafs [http://thn.com/toronto] could be seeking a trade with Marner, insiders like Elliotte Friedman immediately threw the Golden Knights' [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/tempest-thn-golden-knights-ci02dfcc6f60002431] name into the mix as a possible landing spot. A trade was never formulated, and reports indicated that Marner nixed a trade to the Carolina Hurricanes [http://thn.com/carolina], which would have seen Mikko Rantanen head the other way. Fast forward to another disappointing playoff run, the Maple Leafs could be looking to change their DNA, and a press conference held by Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving indicates just that [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/he-s-got-a-say-in-the-process-where-do-things-stand-between-maple-leafs-gm-brad-treliving-and-mitch-marner]. "I had a meeting with all the players, individually, we have our exit meetings. Mitch and I had a discussion. My discussion with Mitch was, let's all take a step back. Let's take a deep breath. I got to decompress a little bit," Toronto's GM said. "I'm going to be in touch with Mitch's representative, and all our player's representatives, and determine what's best, right? Now, Mitch has a say in this as well, so this isn't the world according to Brad. I think he's a great player. He's been a great player here. We'll have to see. We'll have to see how this all works." Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube stated that he would "100 percent, [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-craig-berube-would-100-percent-like-to-retain-pending-unrestricted-free-agents-mitch-marner-john-tavares]" want Marner back on his team, answering the question without an ounce of hesitation. But as Treliving said, the decision isn't being made by just the Maple Leafs. Marner is an unrestricted free agent, garnering significant attention from numerous teams. The San Jose Sharks [http://thn.com/sanjose], Chicago Blackhawks [http://thn.com/chicago] and Anaheim Ducks [http://thn.com/anaheim] have been thrown into the mix due to the cap space they have at the moment, but the Golden Knights, Florida Panthers [http://thn.com/florida] and Hurricanes [http://thn.com/carolina] have emerged as favorites because of their cup-contending rosters. NHL insider Darren Dreger recently stated on TSN Radio [https://www.tsn.ca/video/dreger-marner-is-going-to-go-to-free-agency-leafs-are-going-to-try-to-reinvest-that-money%7E3142979] that the expectation is leaning towards Marner testing the waters of unrestricted free agency. Dreger identified the Vegas Golden Knights as a team harboring "serious interest" [https://www.nhltraderumor.com/vegas-golden-knights-mitch-marner-trade-rumors-free-agency/]in acquiring his services. Additionally, former Leafs GM Gord Stellick wrote in a piece for the Toronto Star, stating he believes that should Marner become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 the Golden Knights will pursue him "aggressively." Signing the 28-year-old would be a very difficult task for the Golden Knights' GM Kelly McCrimmon. While he's no stranger to making bold moves and finding ways around the cap limit, Marner could be looking for an AAV north of $12M and factoring in Jack Eichel's eventual extension, the Golden Knights could be paying two players more than $12M while still paying Mark Stone, Alex Pietrangelo, Noah Hanifin and Shea Theodore top dollar. Golden Knights Prioritizing Jack Eichel Contract Extension [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/ca5b0b11-0294-4a35-a549-5350ecf1e2da.webp] Golden Knights Prioritizing Jack Eichel Contract Extension Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel is under contract for the 2025-26 season but becomes eligible for a contract extension on July 1. The franchise plans to prioritize this business this offseason. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/latest-news/golden-knights-prioritizing-jack-eichel-contract-extension] Marner would quite easily make the Golden Knights a much better hockey team, and with HC Bruce Cassidy's comments about possibly changing their offensive philosophies, Marner could help the transition be a lot smoother. He set a career-high in points this season with 102 and is widely regarded as one of the best playmakers in the NHL. Although he's not known for being a physical forward, his defensive game and penalty killing are great, finishing as a Selke finalist in 2022-23. Multiple moves would need to be made for the Golden Knights to pull this off, but his skill set could put the Golden Knights over the top. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwiNvfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story.
